Journalists for MLive Media Group have won 81 of 171 possible awards from the Michigan Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, including Daily Newspaper of the Year distinctions for The Flint Journal and Kalamazoo Gazette in their individual divisions.

MLive Media Group, Michigan’s largest local and statewide media organization, captured 30 first-place wins. It also swept the innovative storytelling category in two classes.

“It’s a great moment for the MLive Media Group and I’d like to congratulate my colleagues for their highly deserved recognitions,” said MLive Media Group President Dan Gaydou.

Two MLive reporters – Zane McMillin of The Grand Rapids Press and Eric Woodyard of The Flint Journal – are nominated for MPA Rookie of the Year award. Earlier this year, Blake Thorne of The Flint Journal won the award.

For the prestigious MPA Public Service Award, The Grand Rapids Press is nominated for a series on a pediatric hospice program, written by Sue Thoms, and The Flint Journal for “#iwantyoutoknow,” a suicide prevention and awareness series.
Those two awards will be given out during the Michigan Press Association Annual Convention, Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids.

“The great news is that our immense and growing digital audience is enhancing our ability to distribute the quality work we do, making these awards even more meaningful,” Gaydou said. “I am especially proud of the commitment of our journalists to their craft and to their communities.”

MLive Media Group includes The Ann Arbor News, The Bay City Times, The Flint Journal, The Grand Rapids Press, Jackson Citizen Patriot, Kalamazoo Gazette, Muskegon Chronicle and The Saginaw News. It also has local reporting teams in Lansing and Detroit.

“Our success in the MPA contest is a testament to the fact that we are committed to outstanding journalism in all of our communities,” said Gaydou. “Despite changes in the way we deliver news and information, it’s important to note that we are still doing excellent journalistic work, just as we have throughout our history.”

Overall, MLive Media Group earned 95 honors. Last year, it won 34 awards in total. There are four contest divisions for daily newspapers, based on circulation. The Ann Arbor News, formerly AnnArbor.com, was not able to enter the contest because it is not currently a member of the MPA.